Virginia Welch, 55, Was Leader in Girl Scouting

Virginia Peckham Welch, 55, of Canterbury Lane, Vineyard Haven, died
August 19 at Massachusetts General Hospital of complications from
diabetes.

She was born Sept. 13, 1946, in Westerly, R.I., the daughter of
Arthur E. and Ernestine (Mayhew) Peckham Jr.

A resident of Martha's Vineyard since 1972, Mrs. Welch was active in
Martha's Vineyard Girl Scouts since 1979, serving as a junior scouts
leader for more than 10 years. She was a trainer, treasurer and a member
of the building, fund-raising and scholarship committees at the time of
her death. She was also a current member of the board of trustees for
the Martha's Vineyard Friends of Scouting.

Mrs. Welch was proprietor of the Canterbury Lane Bed and Breakfast,
which will continue to be operated by her family.

She is survived by her husband, Frank Welch, daughters Carrie and
Katherine Welch, step-children Thomas, Christopher and Brian Welch,
Bonnie Jo Hakala, and their spouses and children, all residents of the
Island. She is also survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Peckham
Jr., of Pawcatuck, Conn.; a brother, Thomas Peckham, of Aspen, Colo.;
two sisters, Deborah Peckham of Stonington, Conn., and Dr. Prudence
Marsh and her husband, Elliott, of Ashfield; two nieces, Alexandra and
Samantha Marsh, as well as numerous other relatives and beloved friends.

A celebration of her life will be held Sept. 28 at Camp Wampanoag in
Chilmark. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in her name to
Martha's Vineyard Friends of Scouting, Dukes County Savings Bank, P.O.
Box 1069, Edgartown, MA 02539.